The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure by Richard T. Ryan

Author:Richard T. Ryan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sherlock Holmes, mystery, crime, british crime, sherlock holmes fiction, sherlock holmes novels
ISBN: 9781780929903
Publisher: Andrews UK
Published: 2016-08-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Florence, 1501

Michelangelo awoke, washed his face and headed downstairs, where he found Leonardo sitting at his dining room table, drawing. Passing several pages to Michelangelo, he asked, “Is this close to what you had in mind?”

Looking at the various sketches on the pages, Michelangelo said, “That’s not what I envisioned at all.”

“Really?” asked Leonardo, a slight hint of disappointment in his voice.

“No, these are so much better,” said Michelangelo.

The old man smiled. “I told you, there is no need for flattery,” he said. “I will work with you - if for no other reason than the challenge you have posed interests me.”

“Thank you, Leonardo. I just hope that you don’t regret your decision.”

“Now,” Leonardo said, “let us have some breakfast, and consider how to secure the materials we need and a good forge. Salai, bring us something to eat, you rascal.”

After outlining their plans in broad strokes, they revised and reworked them for several hours until they believed that they had taken every last detail into consideration.

“So, I will leave for Rome today. I am certain that my absence has given rise to fear in some quarters and raised eyebrows in others,” said Michelangelo.

“I will leave tomorrow,” Leonardo said, “I have a few things I must attend to here; otherwise, I would accompany you.”

“Given the eyes that may be watching me, I think it best that we travel separately. By the time you arrive, I hope to have everything in place. I shall meet you at Piero’s house six days from now.”

“Agreed,” said Leonardo. “I have had Salai pack a meal that you can eat as you travel. Be safe, Michelangelo.”

They embraced, and bid each other farewell. As he mounted his horse and turned to head for Rome, he saw Leonardo standing in the door, smiling broadly and waving to him.

Even as he returned the gesture, he found himself thinking, “I hope that I have made the right choice.”

The ride back to Rome seemed a blur. As Michelangelo revised and reworked his own plans, the hours and the days passed very quickly.

He arrived home in the evening on the fifth day. After returning the horse, he headed straight for Piero’s house.

Fortunately, the blacksmith was home.

“Michelangelo, it’s been too long,” said Piero. “What brings you to my house at this hour?”

“Several things,” said Michelangelo. “I could use your help, my friend.”

Without hesitating, Piero said simply, “Ask.”

“I need to install two guests at your home for a period of time. One of them is going to want to use your forge,” he added.

“That’s not so much to ask,” Piero said, “Anything else?”

“Just one thing, and I say this for your own good.” “I’m listening,” said Piero.

“No questions,” replied Michelangelo. “I will explain all in due time. In the interim, here are 50 gold pieces to cover the cost of their lodging and to pay for the use of the forge.”

“That’s too much,” protested Piero.

“No questions and no arguments,” laughed Michelangelo.

“We go back a long way,” Piero said. “You have done me many favors and given me much work.

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